Brown lands Giants role

Friday 18 January 2008 00:07 BST

Huddersfield have appointed Australian Nathan Brown as their new head coach.

Brown, who succeeds former Great Britain assistant Jon Sharp, has been in charge of St George Illawarra for the last six seasons but was told earlier this year that he would be replaced by Wayne Bennett in 2009.

Brown, who will be 35 later this month, has signed a three-year contract with Huddersfield after getting the nod ahead of fellow Australians Royce Simmons and Steve Folkes.

"I'm very privileged to be given this opportunity," said Brown. "Huddersfield are a developing club and a family-orientated club, so I'm excited with the challenge."

Sharp was sacked on June 2 in the wake of the Giants' 48-0 defeat by Catalans Dragons, which left them next to bottom of Super League.

Assistant coaches Paul Anderson and Keiron Purtill have been in charge for the last five matches and will remain in position to the end of the season.

"It is fabulous news to bring to our supporters ahead of Saturday's game with Warrington," said Huddersfield chairman Ken Davy.

"Nathan comes with the highest possible recommendations from across the rugby league world and throughout our process of appointment came out on top of a very impressive list of candidates.

"We had the highest possible calibre of applicant, both from the UK and overseas, so for Nathan to be our preferred choice speaks volumes for him and his achievements in the game.

"This is the start of a new and exciting chapter for Nathan and the Huddersfield Giants."